Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Oral Fluid Obtained Using a Rapid Collection Device

J Clin Microbiol. 2021 Jan 21;59(2):e02510-20. doi: 10.1128/JCM.02510-20. Print 2021 Jan 21.

Abstract

Current commercially available methods for reliably detecting antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remain expensive and inaccessible due to the need for whole-blood collection by highly trained phlebotomists using personal protective equipment (PPE). We have evaluated an antibody detection approach using the OraSure Technologies oral antibody collection device (OACD) and their proprietary SARS-CoV-2 total antibody detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found that the OraSure test for total antibody detection in oral fluid had comparable sensitivity and specificity to commercially available serum-based ELISAs for SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection while allowing for a more accessible form of specimen collection with the potential for self-collection.

Keywords: ELISA; SARS-CoV-2; antibodies; oral fluid; rapid test; saliva; serology.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Viral / analysis*
  • COVID-19 / diagnosis*
  • COVID-19 Serological Testing / instrumentation
  • COVID-19 Serological Testing / methods*
  • COVID-19 Serological Testing / standards
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / analysis
  • SARS-CoV-2 / immunology
  • SARS-CoV-2 / isolation & purification*
  • Saliva / immunology
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Specimen Handling / instrumentation*
  • Specimen Handling / methods
  • Specimen Handling / standards

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Immunoglobulin G